Protests have become full time profession for youngsters: HC

Justice N Anand Venkatesh before whom the plea came, said, “There are issues for which people can protest and conduct demonstration. However, at the fall of the hat, protest is being called for and police protection is sought for. The police are already overburdened with their work and to make police to go and give protection in every place where protest is being held, will put additional burden on the police.”

The petitioner Mohanraj had submitted that the Villupuram police registered a false case against two persons and illegally arrested them. Even the grounds of arrest or reasons for arrest was not mentioned at the time of remand. Therefore, he wanted to hold a protest over the alleged illegal police action, the petitioner said.

But the police had rejected permission for the protest claiming it will cause hindrance to the public and will give rise to law and order problem.

However, Justice Anand Venkatesh on setting aside the submission of the petitioner’s counsel that the rejection order passed by the police is illegal and that it goes against the freedom of speech and expression, said, “The purpose for which the protest is called in the present case, is totally unwarranted. It is not known as to how this protest will decide whether the case registered is false or the arrest made is illegal. These are matters that should be agitated before an appropriate forum and it cannot be taken streets.”

“If at all there is any false case or an illegal arrest is made against any person, it is always open to the concerned persons to challenge the same before the appropriate forum and redress their grievance. It is left open to the petitioner to adopt the said legal process,” the judge added.

He also noted “This Court by being liberal in granting permission, does not want to unwittingly become a party for encouraging unwanted protest/demonstration.”